法華經義記 7.47

7.47

From "At that time the twelve hundred arhats" below, this is the second [section] within the chapter, clarifying the matter of the bestowal of prophecy on the various voice-hearers. Within this there are intrinsically two sections: first, bestowing prophecy on the various voice-hearers; second, from "At that time the five hundred arhats in the presence of the Buddha" below, clarifying the understanding expressed by those who received prophecy. Within directly bestowing prophecy there are intrinsically two: first, individually bestowing prophecy; second, one and a half lines of verse collectively bestowing prophecy on the various voice-hearers. Within the first, individually bestowing prophecy, there are two, which are prose and verse as two. Within the prose there are intrinsically two: first, bestowing prophecy on the twelve hundred people; second, from "these five hundred arhats" below, bestowing prophecy on the five hundred people. Within the first section there are two: first, the twelve hundred people requesting prophecy; second, from "The Buddha, knowing these [people]" below, directly prophesying the twelve hundred people. Within requesting prophecy there are two: first, the compiler of the sūtra's narration; second, directly clarifying the request for prophecy. However, among the twelve hundred people, he directly singles out Kauṇḍinya as the foremost. "These five hundred arhats" is the second, bestowing prophecy on the five hundred arhats.